Fighting force’s fitness fundamentals

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LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  It's hard enough without fear and concern to pass the physical training test.

The base's new civilian graders said the new AFI fitness standards that went into use July 1, have caused many Airmen to be anxious about their test.

"Many Airmen are apprehensive about testing because they've heard horror stories from their peers," said Curtis Curbo, 19th Force Support Squadron recreation assistant physical training grader. "But, as so many of these nervous Airmen have discovered, if you're physically and mentally prepared for your fitness assessment, the process is usually easy and fairly painless."

With the anxious Airmen come questions the graders would like to answer for them. One common question they've heard is "Why have civilians been tasked to perform the fitness assessments?"

"The civilian graders were introduced for several reasons and none of them have to do with Airmen integrity," said Mr. Curbo. "You may think that you would be able to deliver an objective fitness test to anyone, including your friends and supervision, but if you're truly honest with yourself, you will probably admit that it would be hard to tell your peer, buddy or commander that he or she had failed for the fourth time and will need to look for a new career.

"Or, could you tell your buddy he would not be sewing on his stripes because he failed for the second time by a couple of seconds, although you knew you could change the outcome with a stroke of your pen? I asked myself this question last week as I watched an individual cry because they failed," he said.

According to Mr. Curbo, grading physical fitness assessments can create a lot of pressure and strain on Airmen.

"Even though we're civilians, we take no joy in [telling an Airman they failed the test], and I, personally, wouldn't wish that part of the job on my worst enemy," he said. "So, the answer is simple: civilian graders where brought on board to assist and ease some of the workload and stress off our fighting force."

Another question Airmen have asked Mr. Curbo is what they can do to prepare mentally and physically for their fitness test.

"The easiest thing an Airman can do to prepare for the test mentally is to come and actually watch us administer a fitness assessment test," he said. "Another thing an Airman can do is visit our office and ask us to watch their pushup and sit up technique before their test. We will be happy to watch and then offer pointers about what the Airman can do to practice before his or her test arrives."

There are different steps Airmen can take to ensure they're correctly performing their pushups portion of the physical training test.

"Learn to do your pushups correctly by watching yourself in a mirror. A mirror won't lie," said Mr. Curbo. "Go down until your elbows form a 90 degree angle; your upper arm should be parallel with the floor when your elbows are bent at least that far."

There are mirrors in the testing room located off the main basketball court that Airmen are encouraged to use when other testing isn't in progress.

"Practice is very important in bettering your pushup or situp count," Mr. Curbo said. "You should actually do pushups more than once a day. If you don't do push-ups 6 to12 times a day you may end up failing your assessment."

The fitness assessment graders and unit fitness program managers are responsible for maintaining a working knowledge of the new AFI.

"Airmen should know that the graders and UFPM's are there to support them in any way possible as long as it is in agreement with the new AFI," said Mr. Curbo. "Swallow your pride and ask for help from your chain of command, family or even fitness assessment graders. You won't be turned away if you ask us for help."

Supporting one another is the key to the success of developing a strong warfighter.

"I have witnessed an entire chain of command make an appearance for some individuals having difficulties meeting the physical training requirements," he said. "We salute these individuals and leaders, and we encourage other units to take a cue from this and do the same thing."

"Airmen and supervisors should remember that we're all part of the same team. If we all work together we can take Little Rock Air Force Base from its current 30 percent failure rate to the highest pass rate possible," said Mr. Curbo. "There are only a few bases so far which have fitness assessment cells with civilians administering fitness tests, and with a lot of hard work and a lot of teamwork, we can set the standard for the rest of the Air Force."

(Courtesy of the 19th FSS fitness assessment cell)